MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
August 4, 2025
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Francisco M. Talavera Other Participants: City Manager Di. Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, City Clerk rica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Palomo, Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resource kaylette Felton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Nicole Palomino, Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Community Development Director Peter Kann
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Talavera led the flag salute. Assistant Pastor Jesse Posner of Restoration Life Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Captain Palomino summarized the recent law enforcement activities and invited the community to attend National Night Out on August 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lawndale Civic Center Plaza.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Assistant Fire Chief Kane summarized the recent fire department activities.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Jed Behar, Resident, commented on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the community.
JaVonda Jones, Resident, commented on an event that she is organizing to spread Lupus awareness and asked the City for support.
Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the Metro C-Line (Green) Project map, plans, and a tree equity report that she provided copies of.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented on a community meeting residents had about the Metro C-Line (Green) Project and two handouts about the Metro C-Line (Green) Project and railroad ties that she provided copies of.
Minutes - City Council
August 4, 2025
Mathew Harbison, Resident, commented on trash spilled on the street from trash bins during trash collection, and recyclable items.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented that the City issued a statement regarding its position on ICE activity in the community, expressed interest in seeking services such as food distribution for impacted residents, asked Resident Jones to contact City Manager Dr. Moore about the City assisting with the Lupus awareness event, expressed support for bringing awareness to Lupus, thanked Resident Owens and Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for providing information about the Metro C-Line (Green) Project, and commented in support of providing educational videos to residents about proper trash disposal.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, asked what the Lawndale Municipal Code states regarding trash disposal and asked Resident Jones to provide her contact information to staff.
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, asked about the status of scheduling a meeting with Metro, and if Republic Services can provide trash disposal fliers to residents.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that he has been in communication with Metro regarding scheduling a meeting with them; however, Metro staff have not been available, and he will ask Republic Services to provide fliers and a presentation about proper trash disposal.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney thanked everyone that spoke at tonight's meeting, commented that he attended a Metro meeting and was not able to obtain information regarding the Metro C-Line (Green) Project, commented on trash collection trucks, disagrees with Republic Services meeting with staff and City Councilmembers and not with residents, and expressed support of a Lupus awareness event.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that the City released a statement addressing ICE's activity in the community, thanked Resident Jones for bringing up a Lupus awareness event, Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for bringing attention to trees and the Metro C-Line (Green) Project, Resident Owens and the South Bay Environmental Justice Alliance for meeting with residents and making them aware of the Metro C-Line (Green) Project. Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that Republic Services collects trash filled bags.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the agenda.
4. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2508-036 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $2,260,335.56.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
DRAFT Minutes - City Council
August 4, 2025
Consideration of Claim Against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Iris Broussard and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
G. PUBLIC HEARING
Building & Safety Permit Fee Update for FY 2025-26
Recommendation: that the City Council conduct a public hearing to receive testimony regarding the City's Building & Safety Permit Fee Update and adopt Resolution No. CC-2508-35. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the creation of a government funding mechanism which does not involve any commitment to any specific project is not a "project" under CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080 and CEQA Guideline 15378(b)(4).
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to adopt Resolution No. CC-2508-35, regarding the City's Building & Safety Permit Fee Update. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the creation of a government funding mechanism which does not involve any commitment to any specific project is not a "project" under CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080 and CEQA Guideline 15378(b)(4). The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
8. Award of Contract for 2025 Pavement Management System Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Award a contract to Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc. in the amount of $36,991.00 for the 2025 Pavement Management System; and 2.) Approve a contingency of $6,000 for the 2025 Pavement Management System.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' and Mayor Pro Tem Kearney's questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez stated that the pavement management system is to be updated every three years, the cost may increase due to inflation, the cost proposal provided by Roadway Management Technologies, LLC reflects the cost to enter into an agreement to provide equipment to the City and train City staff to perform the services.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to award a contract to Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc. in the amount of $36,991.00 for the 2025 Pavement Management System and approve a contingency of $6,000 for the 2025 Pavement Management System. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
August 4, 2025
9. Quarterly Financial Report
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.
10. Notice of Completion for CDBG Project No. 602487-22 Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Accept the project completion by Onyx Paving Company, Inc., for the CDBG Project No. 602487-22; 2.) Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the CDBG Project No. 602487-22; and 3.) Authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $16,823.20 for the CDBG Project No. 602487-22.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kearney's questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez stated that the City did not expend $24,679, which will be returned to the CDBG account and the retention funds in the amount of $16,823.20 are being released to the contractor.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to accept the project completion by Onyx Paving Company, Inc., for the CDBG Project No. 602487-22, authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the CDBG Project No. 602487-22, and authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $16,823.20 for the CDBG Project No. 602487-22. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Dr. Moore announced that the City conducted a graffiti removal project on the north side of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, thanked the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Public Works staff for their assistance, and the City Council for their support. City Manager Dr. Moore thanked Republic Services for their efforts in catching up on trash collection services and to City staff for responding to residents' calls.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
11. Consider Updates to City Council Policy No. 26-95 Recognition Requests Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2508-038, approving the amendments to Council Policy No. 26-95, Recognition Requests; or, 2) Provide further direction to staff.
City Manager Dr. Moore presented the staff report.
Councilmember Talavera commented on the need to update certain policies and thanked everyone for their support in the policy update process.
DRAFT Minutes - City Council
August 4, 2025
In response to Councilmember Suarez's question, City Manager Dr. Moore stated that all recognitions will have a connection to the City of Lawndale.
A motion was made by Councilmember Talavera and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2508-038, approving the amendments to Council Policy No. 26-95, Recognition Requests. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
12. Amend City Council Policy No. 62-01 - Use of City Seal/Logo Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2508-037, amending Council Policy No. 62-01, Use of City Seal/Logo; or, 2.) Provide further direction to staff.
City Manager Dr. Moore presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff about the use of the City logo and seal, the required disclaimer and the conditions under which the logo may be used.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented on the difference between a seal and a logo.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Dr. Moore, City Manager, explained the difference between the official City Seal and the City Logo.
Councilmember Suarez asked about adding the name of the originating Councilmember's office to the City letterhead and requested that staff receive training on the appropriate use of the letterhead.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that he will check on the possibility of providing training to staff.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to adopt Resolution No. CC-2508-037, amending Council Policy No. 62-01, Use of City Seal/Logo and include the language "from the office of" to the letterhead. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
13. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Talavera attended the Hispanic-American Contributions Festival Planning Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting, BIZFED PAC Reception, Girl Scouts in Action: Juniors for Seniors event, thanked Community Services Director Minter for organizing the event and asked what the guidelines are for placing items on the agenda.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that agenda item dates are tentative and dependent on staff availability, required research, and public noticing, with efforts made to balance the agenda, Councilmember Suarez asked whether individual briefings provided to one City Councilmember on upcoming agenda items should also be shared with the entire City Council.
City Attorney Murphy responded that written communications from the City Manager to one City Councilmember are also distributed to all City Councilmembers, City Councilmembers may request verbal briefings which will vary by individual City Councilmember engagement and indicated that questions regarding closed session items should be directed to his office.
Minutes - City Council
August 4, 2025
Councilmember Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting, and the Homelessness Solutions Standing Committee meeting.
Councilmember Cuevas thanked Public Works Department staff for working on the graffiti removal project on the north side of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, attended the Homelessness Solutions Standing Committee meeting, thanked Residents Sopko and Abram for attending the meeting and announced that she will not be in attendance at the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney attended the Towards an Affordable South Bay: Livable Communities & Parking Reform event, Bizfed PAC Reception, Hispanic-American Contributions Festival Planning Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting, LAX/Metro Transit Center - Metro Staff-guided tour, Girl Scouts in Action:
Juniors for Seniors event, Pakistan Independence Day celebration and invited the community to attend National Night Out on August 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lawndale Civic Center Plaza.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Bizfed PAC Reception, Neighborhood Watch meeting, encouraged the community to attend Neighborhood Watch meetings, and announced that the next one is scheduled for September 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Hal
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: August 18, 2025